Gedion Zelalem may have secured US citizenship, but the German Football Federation are still hoping the Arsenal midfielder will continue his development under their World Cup winning wing.
Born in Berlin to Ethiopian parents, Zelalem moved to the States in 2006 but has so far chosen to represent Germany at youth level having begun his football education in the country.
The 18-year-old is expected to accept any future call-up to the US set-up once FIFA clearance has been granted, however, in the meantime the DFB have called him up for an under-18 double header against France later this month.
Speaking in January about their plans for Zelalem, U.S. Soccer president and FIFA Executive Committee member Sunil Gulati told ESPNFC: “We’re going through the FIFA process and hope to have Gedion eligible by March or April. We don’t expect any issues.”
Hype around Zelalem has been building in the USA for quite some time with Ivan Gazidis quizzed on the player’s potential in an interview with Sports Illustrated two weeks ago.
The Gunners CEO was quick to play down expectations, stressing that the teenager has a long way to go before establishing himself at the Emirates.
“You have to temper this [expectation] because you are always looking for the next big star, and I’ve been guilty of this myself.
“Gedion is an exciting young talent, he’s got German heritage, and speaks like an American kid. Right at this moment he’s not the finished product. He’s very much got a lot of development to do. He’s focused on doing that. There’s something exciting there, but lets not get things ahead of themselves.
“Gedion’s training with and against some of the best young players in the world. He steps up every now and again with the first team, the level he’s got to get to. He’s got an understanding there’s a lot of competition and a long way to go.”
As if to piss on Gazidis’ comments USMNT boss Jurgen Klinsmann went on the record within a week stating Zelalem was ready for top-level international action:
“I want to see how [Zelalem] interacts with the group and what level he’s at. [After that], it’s totally in the open to have him play with the U-23s or with the U-20s for Tab. But he’s a special case. I think he’s already at a level where he can definitely play on the senior team.”
I’m sure a decent player but a bit physically weak at the moment.
Not Cesc-special given he is now 18.
USA sounds a good choice, up and coming team.
Have to agree he isn’t at the same level as Cesc was at 18. At the same time though, wonder how much of Cesc opportunities were down to ‘catch them young and watch them grow into superstar’ policy we had to adopt then.
About the choice of nationality, with the German presence in our club and their international success not sway him!
I would have preferred if he aimed to be a big fish in a big pond – after all, national sides can’t buy and rebuild a team as often and as easily football clubs can.
Your last statement is an insult to the efforts of Qatar’s leaders. Shame on you.
Agree 🙂
That’s why I qualified as often and as quickly as clubs – like the Qatari’s are with ManC.
They might well buy Ronaldo and/or Messi for ManC but same is not yet possible for their national side…yet!
Prefer he plays for the USMNT as he will be afforded more opportunities- he’s already receiving top class football education at The Arsenal.
Fuck that, if he plays for the USA he will have to travel alot, especially when W.C qualifiers start. Stay in Europe please, plus you were actually born in Germany. (Im aware that doesnt really mean anything these days).
His earning potential as a successful USA player would be multiples more than he could earn as a successful Germany player (through endorsements). I’d prefer the latter but I’m certain he’ll go for the former.
Yes, but he spent many years in the US including his formative years as a football player before joining Arsenal.
But if he plays for the United States Mutant Ninja Turtles he risks serious Kung Fu related injuries. And Splinters.
Hopefully he won’t bring ‘Fin Rot’ or ‘mycobacterium’ back from USMNT!
Any account of how his progress is actually going? He still looks slight but was really expecting him to start making cup squads after seeing some pre-season action of him.
im married to his sister:olivia zelalem
german or american?
Play for Germany.
Aim high young man.
Do you want another world war, Germany, is that what you’re trying to do?
I’d rather he sticks with Germany. He’ll be playing with the best players and in a better team than the U.S. More chance of progression in tournaments so therefore, more and better experience
Let this beautiful kid make his own choices. Go where you feel most at home. But stay with Arsenal. We are beautiful!
A bit part player for Germany or have a team built around you for the US. He will make three times the money with the US.
If he becomes a ‘World Class’ player then he’ll earn 10++ times more for the USA.
I’m pretty ‘giddy’ about Gideon zelaloming through opposition defenses in the future.
Yea bcos top level premier league players are short of money aren’t they…
I think any starting-11 player from the German team is making more money through endorsements than any USMNT player.
i think our options in midfield hasn’t helped him. if he can manage to bulk up a bit, he’ll be a huge huge player for us.
He’s got insane technique and vision for his age. A loan to the eredivisie or spain would help.
Does USMNT stand for United States Mutant Ninja Turtles? *gets coat.
Seriously though, what does it stand for?
US Men’s National Team. I always think US Mutant Ninja Turtles, myself, though, usually to the tune of the 90s cartoon theme song.